Series VI Elizabeth Keen Hayes

The Elizabeth Keen Hayes (Betsey) series is composed of approximately 88 letters dated, and two bound volumes, a daybook, "Elezabeth Hayes Her Day Book," May 9, 1795, and the "Eliza. Keen Book" (1795-1798). Her daybook which lists her daily household expenses as a bride, provides an interesting view of the running of an urban household. Her business transactions expand when her husband (Patrick Hayes) was in port, and decrease when he was at sea. Health, homesickness, the finding of the right mate for her sons, and family news are primary themes within the letters. She was born August 14, 1764, the daughter of William and Dorothy (Gaylor) Keen and cousin of Sarah Austin Barry; throughout the Barry-Hayes papers she is referred to as Betsey.